Covid-19: Emirates extends ticket rebooking policy by 12 months

Previously, those who purchased tickets between specific dates had two years to rebook

Emirates has announced it will extend its booking policy by an extra one year. Courtesy Emirates Airlines

Emirates Airline has updated its booking policy to benefit those who may be affected by the pandemic.

The new policy allows for an additional 12-month extension on tickets bought before September 30, 2020 with a travel date before or on December 31, 2021.

This means that anyone who purchased tickets between those dates can now rebook for free to travel any time within 36 months of the original booking.

The same policy will also apply to tickets purchased after October 1, 2020, with a travel date before or on December 31, 2021.

All tickets booked after April 1 this year will have automatic validity for travel for 24 months with the possibility to change the dates or ask for a refund at no extra charge.

Fees for reissuing any ticket will be waived and vouchers may be refunded without penalty.

Emirates, one of the first airlines to provide "multi-risk" travel insurance for all passengers, also announced it will extend its coverage past March 31 until further notice. The insurance is automatic and included in the ticketing price.

Special vaccinated flight

Last week, the Dubai airline said it will launch a one-off flight just for vaccinated passengers and crew on Saturday, April 10. EK2021 will depart from Dubai International Airport at midday and cruise over various parts of the UAE before returning at 2.30pm.

The flight celebrates the airline's own success in inoculating its staff, particularly cabin crew and pilots, as more than 85 per cent of the company's crew have received two doses of the vaccine.

Tickets are priced at Dh1,000 for economy and Dh2,000 for business class, and can be purchased from the Emirates contact centre and sales offices in the UAE, as well as local travel agents.

All proceeds from this special flight will be donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation, a non-profit charity organisation that supports projects around the world aimed at improving the quality of life for disadvantaged children.